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Epilepsy and the Workplace

10 March 2011

This guide aims to provide an easy to read introduction to the legal issues relating to epilepsy and employment. It includes information for workers with epilepsy and employers on their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. It also explains the legal options available for people with epilepsy who feel they have been unfairly treated in employment matters.

The guide focuses on two main areas of the law workplace and anti-discrimination law. It then briefly discusses the emerging field of human rights law and the rights relevant to the workplace. In most of these areas the laws discussed apply throughout all of Australia. However, state and territory laws often operate concurrently and these may create additional legal rights and responsibilities. Also these different areas of law often overlap and interact with each other.

While this guide focuses on legal rights and remedies, this is not to suggest these are the only paths available to workers and employers dealing with epilepsy in the workplace. However, an understanding of legal rights and responsibilities encourages a more informed and fair workplace.

This guide has been prepared under the supervision of Jacinta Cummins and Cesira Costello of the Epilepsy Association of the ACT, an affiliate of Epilepsy Australia.

Epilepsy and the Workplace: A guide for workers and employers (pdf document)

Epilepsy Australia National Help Line 1300 852 8653